On fuel-efficient cars, where do Canada’s federal parties stand?

In the lead-up to the election, prospective legislators should be clear on whether they want to keep and strengthen current standards, or follow U.S. President Donald Trump in rolling them back.

Transport Minister Marc Garneau examines a charging station for electric vehicles in the West Block. As part of the Canadian government’s commitment to reducing vehicle emissions in tandem with the United States, the Liberals committed to introducing a zero-emission vehicle strategy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

When it comes to regulations, there are few things that automakers have wanted more than certainty and harmonization across borders. Flash back to 2012, when prime minister Harper’s government decided to harmonize vehicle emission regulations with president Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency, laying out a schedule of improved performance to 2025.

Unless Trudeau plans to be out on these streets, fighting against police brutality or in cabinet drafting legislation to curb police powers, his, and all the other white voices of his ilk, have no merit here.

'I do agree that things need to be implemented as quickly as possible. We could've done this a lot sooner. The good news is that we’re doing it now and announcing it today,' says Transport Minister Marc Garneau.